Why Nigeria needs new constitution, not attitudinal change of politicians – Anyaoku-led Patriots
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians led by the former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, has insisted that what Nigeria needs is a new constitution, not change of attitude of politicians.
The group made this known in a statement issued at the end of the formal inauguration of its Advocacy Committee towards the actualisation of a People’s Constitution for Nigeria on Monday at the FRA Williams Chambers, Ilupeju, Lagos.
“First, we believe that even if the wisest and best leaders on earth were sent to govern Nigeria with its present constitution, they would not be able to tackle effectively the serious challenges facing the country,” the statement began.
“It is generally accepted that our country is currently under-performing in most aspects of its existence. There is insecurity of life and property fuelled by the activities of kidnappers, bandits and so called unknown gunmen. The economy is in the doldrums resulting in unprecedented mass poverty and hunger. The quality of education and health facilities has indisputably declined. The infrastructures have largely continued to dilapidate. There is what one foreign leader has described as fantastic corruption in the land. And above all, there is a growing culture of divisiveness and hate which undermines the sense of national unity Altogether, the current situation in our country is driving our young people and even professionals to ‘japa’ i.e. to seek greener pastures abroad.
“We appreciate the reasons for Mr President’s prioritization of dealing with the economic challenge but we consider that a democratic people’s constitution will more assuredly facilitate the country’s pursuit of a more productive economy which will be more beneficial to the citizens.
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“The truly federal constitution negotiated and agreed by Nigeria’s founding fathers of Nigeria served the country relatively well in the early years of its independence before the intervention of the military in governance which brought with it a constitutional practice that is in accordance with the command structure of the military.
“The 1960/63 constitution gave the country more viable federating units (regions) that mostly took care of their internal security and economic development that focused on productivity. Without increase in productivity the national economy can never improve. The 1960/63 constitution enabled each federating region to give appreciable focus on education, provision of health facilities, infrastructural development, and on a healthy competition in socio-economic development which encouraged the growth of a sense of national unity.”
The statement signed by Anyaoku said the present constitution Nigeria operates determines the quasi-federal governance system which from experience impedes the country’s deserved pace of development and facilitates corruption and degradation of our societal values.
It added, “A truly federal constitution is therefore a must if we are to effectively deal with the challenges currently confronting our country, if our politicians and leaders are to rediscover the ethical values of service which our founding fathers demonstrated, and more importantly, if our pluralistic Nigeria is to become prosperous and survive as one political entity in the long term.
“We therefore wish to restate our call on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, initiate steps to giving the country a new democratic people’s constitution.”
Members of the newly inaugurated Patriots’ Strategy and Advocacy Committee are Prof Anthony Kila – Chairman; Senator Shehu Sani – Co – Chair; Okunbo Rotimi Williams; Shettima Yerima; Obongawan Etim James; Chris Iyovwaye; Ene Obi; Abubakar Azara; Ann Kio Briggs; Monday Ubani; Samson Itodo; Olu Wilson Usim; Helen Adebakin; Hauwa Mustapha; Fafa Dan Princewill; Bala Zakka; Kayode Samuel; Aina Oke Aare; and Chukwudum Malizu.
Others are Denzil Kentebe; Affixing Affixing; Madu Bright All well; Ejiro Ernest Ofoye; John Dara; Prof Remi Sonaiya; Joe Atueyi; Chidi Onumah; Sina Fagbenro Byron; Malachy Ugwumadu; Salvation Alibor – Under Secretary; and Bilikisu Magoro – Secretary.
The advisors are Oby Ezekwesili, Labaran Maku, Prof Bolaji Aluko, Nkoyo Toyo, and Prof Okey Ikechukwu.
